ALDERMAN SAYS DRUGS ON RISE IN GRIMSBY

Kids are finding it easier to get their hands on drugs these days, says
Grimsby Alderman Steve Berry.

"I would believe that drugs are more available and therefore more kids are
experimenting with them," he said. "I hope more people are willing to speak
up and assist the police with this problem."

But Grimsby's 8 District Staff Sergeant, Randy Bleich, said they are
battling the war.

"We're fighting," Bleich said. "Whether we're winning the war is another
story."

Bleich said drugs are a serious issue in Grimsby but it's not on the rise.

Grimsby Mayor Bob Bentley also said drugs are more prevalent in schools. He
said it's the parent's responsibility to know what's going on in their
children's lives.

"We are all creatures of habit and if you are in touch with your children,
you will have taught them right from wrong and would see a change in their
behaviour, choice of friends or habits," he said.

According to Staff Sergeant Randy Bleich people are contacting the police
more, but that doesn't mean it's a growing problem in his district. He said
people's awareness is the reason why there's more drug related arrests in
the spotlight these days. He said people are becoming more aware, and are
calling the police to anonymously tip them off.

"There's drug use in every city in Niagara," he said. "I only hope people
will call in and give information. It's the best way to combat this issue."

Ald. Berry agreed people are becoming more aware.

"I think that more people are aware of two things with drugs: consequences
and signs of use," he said. " Parents need to have open lines of
communication with their children and be able to identify and assist them
if they notice any drug or alcohol abuse."

Bentley said it shouldn't be up to the cops to stop this activity.

"This is a parent's responsibility," he said. "Just ending a summer season
and seeing teenagers frequently walking to our neighbourhood parks with
bulging backpacks late at night on weekends should tell parents that they
are not intending to study and they probably do not have books in the
backpack."

Alderman Tony Quirk said it's hard to convince kids that such activities
are bad.

"Young people have to be dissuaded from smoking and using drugs," he said.
"It is difficult to get that message across when it is so readily apparent
in the media and entertainment."

Despite thinking drugs are more of a problem, he said the police are doing
good work.

"The police are also more community orientated - for example they are now
in some high schools and involved in more community events," he said. "This
all presents a more positive image that breaks down some of the stigma when
I was a younger person.

The police are also out on the street and chasing down leads including the
arrest of a Grimsby teen for trafficking downtown on Monday, September 4.

"There are street level dealers that we're trying to shut down," he said,
adding police have also taken down quite a few grow operations in West
Lincoln this year.

Ald. Quirk said he will make sure his kids are aware of the pitfalls of any
addictive activity like drugs, smoking or alcohol.

"And (I) pray they make the right decisions," he said.